Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

It is late Friday, and I had a great week. Joining Susanne for the Friday's Fave Five

Went to a baby shower for my niece on Sunday.  I stayed the night with my sister, and my husband picked me up on Monday. I felt off and got my things packed for my Bible journaling class and went to bed early.  I woke up at 3 am sick.

Thankful that my husband could take the things to my friend's house. Thankful that my friend who host our group went over the instructions I gave her. The women really enjoyed the craft I had for them.

Thankful that I was only sick for 24 hours and could go to the store and get some things for Thanksgiving. Thankful that our grandson could get out all our Christmas trees.

Thankful that I could go to my son's house who made breakfast for diner. We were getting up early for our Disney visit.

Thankful for the fun day we had at Disneyland. It rained in the morning, and the park was not so busy. We got to go on several rides and we left early. We are going back next month. My grandkids football team won their playoff game and are going to Rosebowl next Friday for the final division game. I missed the game because of Disneyland.

Saturday 9: The Lady in Red (1986)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Is red a color you often wear? Mostly around Christmas and Valentine's Day.

 

2) In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves. Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor? No

 

3) Chris says he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform. Tell us about a memorable concert going experience.

The last concert I went to was in February 2025. We saw Cece Wynans. I went with my granddaughter who is on the praise team at church, her mom and grandma. It was great!

 

4) Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom. Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina. Do you have any of those attributes? Attention to detail.

 

5) Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland. Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel. What's the last hotel you stayed in? Does a floating hotel count? We went on a cruise in January 2025. We stayed in a Marriott in San Deigo back in 2024.

 

6) Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000. If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it? Pay off our house, give some to church and give some to our kids.

 

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan. Have you been to New York City? Yes, back in 2008  Waiting to see Phantom of the Opera with my parents and sister. We were there before leaving on our New England cruise.

 

8) Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died. Are you a hockey fan? I played field hockey in high school and loved it.  I don't watch it now except for the Winter Olympics.

 

9) Random question – You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip. 

Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator: Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, or William, Prince of Wales? The Prince of Wales.

Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

Thankful to host the birthday for my grandson on Monday-Tuesday. His friends love the food. My grandson wanted tacos. So hubby cooked a roast in the crockpot and added spices. Then he shredded. He and my daughter decided to buy pre marinated chicken to barbecue. and it was really good! There was also rice and beans, fruit, chips and salsa.

Thankful that we could all go out the next day because Eddie also wanted to celebrate with his family and he selected a Mexican taco shop with a Disney theme. Afterwards we went to Downtown Disney for beignets. 

Thankful to have a day of rest where I did not have to go anywhere during the day. I did work on the craft prep for my Bible journaling group when meet on the 18th. My friend Coreen is making the title and she sent me her sample. 

Thankful that Coreen could take me to our final book study group that started back in June.

Thankful that in spite of the rain, we went to our grandkids football game. Our team is in the semi finals. It rained a lot and everyone was wearing ponchos. We got wet, but I stayed warm. They won and go to the next level next Friday.

Saturday 9: Rings (1971)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) This song is about a young man who is happy to hear his phone ring. How about you? How do you feel when your phone rings? (Excited, annoyed, surprised, etc.) Happy when it is someone I know. Annoyed with spam call.

 

2) He's got James Taylor on the stereo. Are you a James Taylor fan? Yes and I love You've Got a Friend.

 

3) He tells his girl he's been hanging with his buddies, Tony and Mario, but they're no substitute for her. What friend did you recently spend time with? What did you do? My friend Correen. We were crafting one day this past week and then we went to our Women's book study Wed. night.

 

4) Tony and Mario were real people. They ran a restaurant frequented by the songwriters. Did you dine out this past week? Yes, we went out for our grandson's birthday at a Tacos place near Disneyland. The whole place was decorated with Disney collectibles.

 

5) "Rings" is the only hit for the band Cymarron, who hailed from Memphis, a town known for classic southern comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, cornbread and mashed potatoes. What's on the menu at your home this weekend? Nothing planned for Saturday yet. Sunday I a going to a baby shower and they will serve soup salad, bread and appetizers.

 

6)  The boys in Cymarron took their name from their favorite TV show, the Western Cimarron Strip. What TV show are you currently enjoying? Maybe your fellow Sat9ers would like it, too. I have been watching Grey s Anatomy and General Hospital for years. I like the new show called Doc. There are so many shows that hubby and I like to watch together. Dances with the Stars, Tracker, the FBI's the NCIS, Chicago Fire,  Law and Order, SVU, Organized Crime. Boston Blue, 911 LA and Nashville and Brillant Minds. We are retired so we have the time. Thank Goodness for recordings!

 

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Is there any change in your wallet or pocket right now? Not in my pocket, but I know I have some.

 

8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie, the doll with a tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed? No and I was just had surgery for skin cancer on my face. So no tanning for me.

 

9) Random question – If we were to ask your friends, which of these qualities would they say they like best about you: your warmth, your sense of humor, or your intelligence? I would say my warmth.

Thanks to Susanne & Sam for the memes. Links are on the left.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

1. Thankful that my granddaughter checked the Disney schedule and found a Friday reservation for this month. It was closed when I looked earlier and it is closed again.

2. Thankful that we could pick up our grands from school on Tuesday and bring them to our house. Thankful to take this picture and think of all God has created.

3, Thankful that my grandson Eddie is enjoying his "field trip to see universities in California. He was really impressed with University of Santa Cruz and the town. He loved all the pine trees and more country like atmosphere. He also got to visit Berkeley, Stanford, UC Davis, Pepperdine and a few others. He first said he wanted to go to University at Irvine in Orange County where I went. They have a really good medical school. He is really smart, and I know he will be accepted at many schools. It will depend on what kind of financial aid he gets. I would love for him to get the experience of living on campus. I was a commuter student. There are California State and California Universities.

Eddie and his girlfriend who is also a senior.

I wish he would smile, but he does not like to show his braces.

4. Thankful to be getting things done around the house that needed to be done. Thankful that I can still do some things. Eddie cleaned my cabinets before he left and he will clean the floors when he comes back. He is really excited about his friends coming over for his birthday/movie/sleep over. The hottest day of the week in on his birthday which will be nice when they come over. They will be camping in the backyard.

5. Thankful for a great worship night that was opened to all 3 campuses. There was a time of prayer at the alter and my son, granddaughter and I all went up for prayer.  The pharmacy had called to see if I needed to refill my prescription and I told them I was not taking them because they messed up my stomach. Later I got a call from my doctor's office because my doctor wants to see me. I see my doctor on Monday to discuss my cholesterol and loss of weight. I am thankful that I have Kaiser medical insurance. I am praying our rates do not go up to drastically.

Saturday 9: That Funny Feeling (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, Bobby Darin admits he cares more for the girl than he should. What's something you have recently overdone (eaten too many potato chips, stayed up too late, etc.)? Staying up late is my downfall. 

 

2) Bobby wrote this as the theme song for a movie he starred in with his wife, Sandra Dee. That Funny Feeling (the movie) turned a profit at the box office and "That Funny Feeling" (the record) made the Billboard Top 40. Can you think of another movie and song that were both popular?  Sound of Music, Star Wars, Titanic, Grease, not just a song, but a whole soundtrack! I just watched The Way We Were this past weekend. It made me sad. Just hearing the song reminded me of my parents. My mom loved Barbra Streisand. There will be Miracles from the movie called Prince of Egypt. The song was made even more popular when it hit mainstream radio with Mariah Cary and Whitney Houston.

3) While Bobby had a successful movie career and earned an Oscar nomination, he didn't get the part he wanted most: Tony in West Side Story. While he could sing and dance very well, producers didn't think Bobby looked like a romantic leading man. What actor or actress makes your heart skip a beat? When I was a teen, I had a poster of Clark Gable-Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. I think George Clooney has aged well. Robert Redford too since I have been watching a lot of his movies.

 

4) Elvis enjoyed watching Bobby perform, but understood that if he sat in the audience, he would be a distraction. So, Elvis always watched Bobby from the wings. Think about the last thing you saw in a theater (concert, movie, play). Were you distracted by another audience member? Was anyone crinkling paper, checking their phone, whispering, etc.? Yes, crinkling paper and it was my husband. Years ago we took our teen sons to the movies. I was sitting down with a bucket of buttery popcorn, and I accidentally spilled it on top of him. Both the man and my sons moved to other seats. We still laugh about it.

 

5) When the editor of a teen magazine asked if he could cook, Bobby not only said yes, but he also offered up his manicotti recipe. What's your favorite pasta dish? (To eat, not necessarily to whip up in your kitchen.) My son makes a good manicotti. I do like the shrimp scampi at Olive Garden with the slivers if asparagus.

 

6) In addition to cooking, Bobby's friends recall he loved talking about classic cars and baseball. Which of those three would you be most comfortable discussing? I know about baseball thank classic cars.

 

7) In 1965, when Americans were listening to "That Funny Feeling," aspirin was the top over-the-counter pain reliever. You could get a bottle of 200 tablets for just $1. Is there aspirin in your medicine chest right now? No, there is Tylenol and Motrin.

 

8) Also in 1965, I Dream of Jeannie premiered. The sitcom about a beautiful genie living in the suburbs was developed to compete with Bewitched, about a beautiful witch living in the suburbs. Which show do like better? I liked them both. I guess I Dream of Jeannie.

 

9) Random question: After a friend leaves your home, you spot a small, bound book on the floor next to your sofa. You flip through it and see that her journal fell out of her purse. It's mostly shopping lists and appointments but also includes personal observations, once you realize what it is, do you close it and keep it closed until you can return it to her? Or do you continue reading? I would close it and call her and let her know about it.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. Links are on the left.

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by! The days just seem to go faster and faster. I thought retirement was a time to slow down. It may for some, but it has been busy for me. But there is always something to be thankful for. I am joining Susanne for the meme.

I am thankful for this laptop that lets me connect to others. I am thankful for the digital artist that provide content for my Bible journaling and crafting. I am thankful for free programs like Blogger.

I am thankful for the Facebook memories that pop up that bring smiles to my face.

Lake Tahoe October 2019

October 2019

October 2021

October 31, 2020

Thankful that my scar is healing and I can now wear the scar tape.

Thankful to be able to go to Disneyland on Thursday. I had not been since December of 2022. Hubby and I had lunch at Downtown Disney and walked around. I got a few ornaments. Then he left and I headed to California adventure. I got to go on The Guardians of the Galaxy ride and Grizzley Rapids where I got soak and wet. The wait was about 45 minutes. I got to talk to a young couple from Mexico and a group of 4 college age kids that were very nice to me and helped me in and out of the ride. After getting out of that ride, my son and granddaughter met me. We got to go on the Cars ride and see the Coco/Familia section. We went to the Disneyland side and had a great dinner. Then we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean  and Star Tours. We left before it closed to avoid the traffic. 

This is the ornament I got since I turned 70 three weeks after Disney did.

Thankful to be able to sleep in and lounge around and watch tv with husband and get some things done on my laptop. I start my Gratitude  Documented 30 day devotional study with Illustrated Faith.

Saturday 9: Angie Baby (1974)

Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

 

1) This week's song is a spooky one about a young man who breaks into the bedroom of a troubled girl named Angie. Their encounter doesn't go well and he's never seen again. Though there's been gossip, no one knows for sure what happened to him. Does your town have any scary legends that have been passed down through the decades? No

 

2) Songwriter Alan O'Day said he drew upon aspects of his own childhood to come up with "Angie Baby." He was an only child who often stayed home sick from school, with only Top 40 radio for company. What do you recall when you think about sick days as a kid?  I don't remember me being sick often but my sister was because of her asthma. Grandmas were always there and that was a blessing for us and our parents. But in 1968, I got the Hong Kong flu and I was so sick. Both my parents took care of me. I remember that I missed the youth group Caroling Event and that made me sad. 

 

3) Helen Reddy said she enjoyed hearing what her fans thought happened in "Angie Baby." Can you think of another song that is open to interpretation? Not at the moment.

 

4) When Helen and her husband/manager Jeff Wald heard "Angie Baby" the first time, they immediately agreed she should record it. She went into the studio that afternoon and in less than 10 days, disc jockeys were playing it and "Angie Baby" became an international hit. When were you glad you acted on impulse? Getting Minnie, our third doxie.

 

Questions inspired by Halloween .... 

5) Though best known as a recording artist, Helen Reddy also acted on occasion and appeared as a singing nun in Airport 1975. A nun's habit is a popular Halloween costume. Will you/did you dress up this year? No

6) In 2024, more Americans than ever dressed their dogs up for Halloween. Have you ever taken your pup with you trick-or-treating? No.... well not our current dog. She does not like to be out in public. Our previous dog did not mind. Eddie with Reina, 2009.

7) According to the Guinness Book of Records, the award for highest number of jack-o-lanterns in one place went to Keene, NH, where in 2013 there were 30,581. Did you carve a pumpkin for Halloween this year? No

 

8) In years gone by, the Irish celebrated Halloween not with pumpkins but by carving turnips, potatoes and beets. Are any of those foods in your kitchen right now? Potatoes.
 

9) Some Elvis fans insist his ghost hovers in the trees over Graceland. Have you ever seen a ghost? No.

October, around 1964. 

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Joining Susanne for Friday's Fave Five and listing 5 things that blessed me this past week.

1. Hubby and I were able to go to another football game with our daughter. Our granddaughter cheers and it was homecoming. Half time had a Wizard of Oz theme. Eddie's girlfriend was Dorothy. The cheer/song teams had to wear special outfits. During the beginning of the game, Jazzy's zipper broke and she had to leave the field. Luckily a mom sewed her dress back up and she got back on the field in time for the halftime show. Their team won 62 -14! Thankful for my seat pad too!

2. Thankful I was able to go to church on Sunday. We got our Operation Christmas Child boxes this Sunday too. I did get to watch it online last week and got this picture of Audrina singing. After church we went out to eat at In and Out Burger. Later my grandson videoed us to show us his new "big boy' haircut. He is 11 now. 

3. Thankful that the shows my husband and I like are back for a new season. We have been watching Survivor for 25 years! We like to watch the the FBI and NCIS shows. I also like Chicago Med. 

4. Thankful for another great Retired married group. We took Harvest bagels, cream cheese and a Cheese plate to share and a few others brought things too. We talked about a scribe who asked Jesus what good he could do to gain eternal life. He followed the commandments, Jesus tol him to sell his possessions and give it to the poor. Then he would have treasures in heaven and He could follow Jesus. And the scribe walked away sad because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19: 16-22) It was great to her the group discussion and agreed that money could be a great downfall when not used properly. We need to give back to God, help others and God will provide us with what we need. The main thing is to follow Jesus and his teachings.

5. Thankful to have lunch with our son and his wife. They treated us to lunch for an early Father's Day. They told us about their plans to go to Japan next spring. We are excited for them, They don't have any kids and are planning several trips. They hope to go to NY in the fall of 2026. 

Saturday 9: Into the Groove (1985) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) Madonna begins this song by telling us, "I'm waiting." What's something you're waiting for today?

I am waiting for my incision to completely heal. A few sutures are still there and I think they are hindering the healing. I emailed my doctor this morning and he wants to see my next week.

 

2) She sings that dancing gives her a feeling so good she hopes it will never end. What reliably lifts your spirits? Dancing was something I enjoyed. I do like this Madonna song for the beat. It opens with "Susan" It really is good exercise! Now I craft or Bible journal and listen to music. Taking a walk in nature with trees and birds lifts my spirit.

 

3) As a school girl in Michigan, Madonna was a good student but could be disruptive. Classmates recall her doing cartwheels in the halls between classes. Can you do a cartwheel? NO, I would not even try. But I sure did when I was a kid, backflips to and even flipping back out on the swings.

 

4) It's not surprising that a girl from the Detroit area would love cars. Madonna's car collection is valued at more than $2 million. The one she seems to drive most often is a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Insurance industry data tells us Americans typically keep their cars for 8 years. How long have you had your current vehicle? We have had it 8 years and have no plans to get another one until we have to.

 

5) She has referred to Nancy Sinatra as one of her idols, saying "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and its accompanying video impressed her when she was a little girl. What pop song brings back memories from your childhood? I remember Those Boots Were Made for Walking. The Twist reminds me of dancing with my aunt and sister. I think we saw him on American Bandstand. I think was about 7

 

6) Madonna suffers from brontophobia, or the fear of thunder and lightning. Are you afraid of storms?

We don't get many storms here in, So CA. I remember a quick storm came through while on vacation in Arizona in 1982. It rained so hard that we had to pull off the road. Then lightening broke right in front of our car and shook the car. It was so scarry!

 

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, the Titanic wreckage was discovered. There have been at least a dozen movies about that ill-fated ship. Have you seen any of them? I have seen one with Matt Damon and Kate Winslet in 1997. It was so sad, and I could not watch it again.

 

8) Also in 1985, Bruce Willis became a star with a hit show about a detective agency. Can you name it? (Extra non-existent points if you can recall the agency's name.) No because I did not watch it.

 

9) Random question: Describe your perfect ice cream sundae. Real Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, banana slices, nuts and whip cream. It makes me think of the times we went to Bob's Big Boy after football games. This was in 1972-72. Watching my granddaughter cheer at games also makes me think of the after games. I also like to get hot fudge sundaes when I was pregnant. I rarely eat ice cream now because of the high sugar content.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting the memes! Links are on the left.

My Website is at Susan's Garden of Friendship The link is to the left. Lots of inspirational pages too. I hope to see you there!